One local CEO thinks the future of Birmingham's technology industry is wide open.

"I see no reason why this can't be a competitive space for software development," said Chace Hatcher, CEO of Diamond Fortress Technologies. "I don't see why Birmingham can’t be that next burgeoning tech scene."

Hatcher said he's proud that Diamond Fortress is headquartered in Birmingham, even though the perception is usually that a company like his should be located in Silicon Valley.

"The perception of Birmingham from outside is still not what we want it to be. UAB, UAH and also UA and Auburn have incredibly strong computer science programs that provide the people for development jobs here. And quite frankly, there’s less backbiting (here) than you see in Silicon Valley. It's more of cooperative atmosphere," Hatcher said of the technology industry in the state.

Plus, Hatcher said running Diamond Fortress might cost three times as much in Silicon Valley than it does in Birmingham.

And Hatcher said Birmingham is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend.

"Innovation Depot has a world class space, and I think you’ll see a large number of companies there succeed and create job growth," Hatcher said. "I hope we begin to be looked at as a legitimate player."